Former White Sox pitcher Wilbur Wood didn’t set an example because he wasn’t replicable.
He was a workhorse who pitched at a rate that likely won’t be seen again in the modern era because of the evolution of the game. In 1972, Wood pitched 376 2/3 innings, which led the league.
Wood died Saturday at 84 in a hospital in Massachusetts. Wood will be remembered for his durability. He started the most games in the league in four consecutive seasons.
Wood began his baseball career with the Boston Red Sox at 19. Three years later, he was sold to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He then spent a year in the minors before being traded to the White Sox.
From 1967-1970, Wood operated out of the bullpen for the Sox before transitioning into a rotation. Once he became a starter, he began using the knuckleball pitch that he learned from his dad and became an instant sensation. From 1971-74, Wood made three All-Star teams.
Wood retired with a career record of 164-156 with a 3.24 ERA.
